BoatUS Foundation Highlights Safety Tips for National Safe Boating Week

Nation Safe Boating Week is in full swing, beginning on May 16th and running until May 22nd. This week serves as an important reminder to encourage boaters to be responsible and prioritize safety ahead of the start of boating season.

This observance week is also the official kickoff of the Before You Boat campaign from the BoatUS Foundation. In leu of National Safe Boating Week, as well as their campaign, the foundation recommends these safety tips for boaters:

• Before You Boat … Check your fit: Take a few minutes to ensure you have enough right-sized life jackets for everyone aboard and that they are readily available in case of an emergency. While on board, wear your life jacket and ensure you are meeting your state requirement for life jacket wear.
• Before You Boat … Inspect your beacon: Confirm your emergency beacon is working and accessible, so help can find you quickly in case something unexpected happens. Pro Tip: Rent a beacon for free through the BoatUS Foundation EPIRB rental program.  
• Before You Boat …File a float plan: Let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. This can be as simple as texting your trip details to a trusted friend or family member who is ready to act if you’re overdue.   
• Before You Boat … Attach your ECOS: If your helm is equipped with an engine cutoff switch and your boat is 26’ or under, attach it to your person. This will help stop your engine immediately if you’re thrown overboard.   
• Before You Boat … Check the weather: Use free apps like Tide Alert (NOAA) to check weather conditions and tides before heading out.   
• Before You Boat … Make safety a priority: Treat safety as part of the trip, not as an afterthought.

“Safe boating doesn’t require complicated gear or expert skills. It requires consistency,” said Ted Sensenbrenner, Director of Boating Safety at BoatUS Foundation, in a news release. “Taking a few minutes before leaving the dock to follow these simple tips can make all the difference when conditions change unexpectedly.”